It was some time in the making but Aliir Aliir showed he was ready to take his opportunity when it presented itself in 2016.

After making his debut in Round 6 in wet conditions against Brisbane the key defender found himself back in the NEAFL side.

Consistently strong form for the NEAFL side saw him force his way back into the senior team in Round 13 when he would go on to play 13 matches for the season.

His composure under pressure and poise with the football were two of the key attributes the emerging defender displayed during his breakthrough season.

Aliir became a permanent fixture of the Swans back six and was sorely missed during the Grand Final loss to the Western Bulldogs, after suffering a knee injury in the preliminary final win over Geelong.

With strong foundations now set, the 22-year-old will have an important role to play in the Swans defensive line up heading into 2017.

In his own words
“I thought my form this year was pretty good and I was pretty consistent throughout the whole year. I had to wait a while for my debut and so I was pretty rapt to get that. I went back to the NEAFL, worked hard on the things I needed to and I was able to get back into the senior team. I thought it was a consistent season, more so than my first two years here at the Swans.” Aliir Aliir on SwansTV

Stats
Games: 13
Kicks: 103
Handballs: 84
Marks: 56
Disposals: 187
Tackles: 31

Through the lens

Aliir Aliir showcased his strong intercept marking ability throughout the 2016 season.

Aliir Aliir was an AFL Multicultural Ambassador for the 2016 season.

Aliir shares a laugh with roommate Tom Papley after the preliminary final win.